Joseph Frank Torres Sr.

Joseph (Joe) was the youngest and last surviving child of Mary and Phillip Torres. He was born in

Stockton on June 23, 1931. He

attended local schools and graduated from Schneider Vocational High School where he discovered his love of photography. In 1950, he joined the Army, served with the Second Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1958 graduated from the College of the Pacific. His entire professional life was based upon his love of photography. After serving as a local news photographer for Channel 3 and 10, he owned and operated Torres Film Service for twenty-five years. The business sold film and processing services for athletic training films to high schools and colleges throughout Central and Northern California. During this time, Joe shot UOP's basketball and football games for coaches and players' game evaluations. After retirement from this business, Joe developed and managed his own commercial properties.

Joe, affectionately called "Joey" by his immediate family, was the personification of a good man. He was dedicated to his wife and son and joyfully and proudly shared in their lives and accomplishments. The center of his life was always his home and family. In all his personal and professional dealings, he demonstrated the highest ethical principles. He accepted and appreciated all people with the result that he enjoyed friendships with the many different kinds of people he met throughout his life. Even though he was not outwardly religious he shared a close and personal relationship with his God, whom Joe believed protected and guided him to a good and very successful life. Although gentle natured on the outside, Joe was made of steel inside; he faced difficulties of life with calm acceptance and a strong resolve to overcome them as well as these qualities, he was also blessed with what could be deemed a warped sense of humor which he used in all aspects of his life.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Gloria, and by his devoted son, Joseph, Jr., and his wife Andrea of South Pasadena, CA. His family also includes nieces, Jo Ann (Don) Romero and Gina (Mace) Lane of Stockton and

Donna (Alfred) Rodriguez of

Walnut Grove; his nephews, Rudy (Pat) Palamino of Stockton and Edward Howard of Oakley, and his in-laws, Sue and Noah Kirk of Stockton, Jean Howard of

Martinez and Harry De Manty of Fresno. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters, Nancy, Philip, Pat, Frank, Carmen, and Marcella.

Visitation will be available on Friday, March 30, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California Street in Stockton. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 31st at 10 a.m. at Morris Chapel, University of the Pacific. Private family burial will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe's honor to the charity of your choice.

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